How to Start Homeschooling in 2026 — A Method-Neutral Field Guide for Every Family, Every Entry Point, Every Approach

Introduction

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1. Legal first: the launch every state expects

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2. Money and ESA: what to spend in year one

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3. The four decisions that come before method

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4. Stream A — Fresh kindergarten

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5. Stream B — Early elementary mid-stream

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6. Stream C — Upper elementary mid-stream

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7. Stream D — Middle school mid-stream

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8. Stream E — High school mid-stream

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9. Stream F — Multi-grade family launch

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10. The ten-method comparison matrix

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11. The Classical track — Christian and secular variants

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12. The Charlotte Mason track

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13. The Traditional / textbook track

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14. The Catholic homeschool track

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15. The Reformed and confessional-Protestant track

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16. The Secular homeschool track

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17. The Online academy and hybrid track

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18. International — Canada

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19. International — United Kingdom and Ireland

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20. International — Continental Europe

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21. International — Nordic countries

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22. International — East Asia

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23. International — Southeast Asia

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24. International — South Asia

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25. International — Oceania

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26. International — Latin America

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27. International — Africa

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28. International — Middle East

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29. The honest first-year budget — five worked examples

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30. The first 90 days by stream

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31. What to skip in year one

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32. Closing — what this booklet refuses to do

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